Rob Donelson reappointed as Laurier's vice-president: development and alumni relations

The Board of Governors of Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Rob Donelson, vice-president: development and alumni relations, to a second five-year term. His current term runs until June 30, 2014. His next term runs from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019.

"It is a pleasure and a privilege to work closely with Rob to advance the interests of Laurier," said Max Blouw, Laurier president and vice-chancellor. "He is a wonderful relationship builder and brings enormous integrity and energy to his role."

Donelson will continue to devote his time leading Laurierís philanthropic vision and alumni-engagement strategy as the university begins its second century. His extensive experience in fundraising and advancement will continue to be invaluable to those efforts.

Prior to joining Laurier in 2008, Donelson led multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns for St. Josephís Healthcare and St. Maryís General Hospital. He also played senior roles in development and alumni affairs at St. Jeromeís University in Waterloo.

During his first term at Laurier, Donelson oversaw unprecedented alumni engagement with the university, increased levels of financial support and new levels of major gift activity. Under his guidance, significant funds have been raised to support Laurier's institutional priorities: academic excellence, student experience and a multi-campus reality. Donelson spearheaded the first phase of a major $55-million fundraising campaign for the universityís new Global Innovation Exchange (GIE) building on its Waterloo campus and programming needs for Laurierís School of Business & Economics. A 34-member volunteer Campaign Cabinet was also created as part of those efforts. He also initiated a $5-million community campaign to help build a joint YMCA-Laurier Athletic and Recreation Centre near the universityís Brantford campus.

Under Donelsonís leadership, Laurier became only one of two universities in Canada to be accepted into the Ethical Code program of Imagine Canada, a public endorsement of the universityís responsible solicitation and management of financial gifts. He is a director of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE), and has spoken at several national and international conferences of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners and the CCAE.

"I am delighted with my reappointment. I feel strongly that much of our teamís work during my first term in regards to relationship-building and profile-raising will continue to bear fruit in the months ahead," said Donelson. "I am especially appreciative of the collaborative relationship our office has built with faculties, departments and many external constituencies of the university."